A PATCH to send a woman's sex drive soaring by boosting raunchy thoughts goes on sale this week.

Ten years after Viagra lifted the love lives of middle-aged men, aphrodisiac Intrinsa is expected to do the same for low female libidos.

When stuck on the stomach or bottom, the patch releases testosterone into the blood. And women who took part in trials of the medication said it made them want to have sex more often as it stimulated saucy thoughts.

Intrinsa is the first of 20 female sex drugs being developed to go on sale.

Although it is only available on prescription and aimed at people with sexual problems, doctors reckon it will find favour with younger women keen to spice up their lovemaking.

Gynaecologist Prof John Studd, of the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, said he was sure the patch would eventually be prescribed "off licence" like Viagra.

The blue diamond-shaped male aid - which unlike Intrinsa works only on the body - has been available over the counter at chemists since last Valentine's Day and 900,000 British men are believed to have tried the pills at least once.

Counsellor Phillip Hodson, author of How to Make Great Love to a Woman, said it was about time females had "something for the weekend".

But he warned: "If you're not into sex because your husband is a foul beast, a patch won't help."